Family & Friends
The Kokura Apaatos
Be it ever so
humble, there's no place like the complex ecosystem I called home in 1998 and
1999.
Beneath the tatami lurked...well, I don't even want to think about
it. But it was fairly comfy for all that--I had three tatami
rooms, a kitchen/eating area, a Japanese toilet (with 'adapter')
and a tiny bath-like device. Luxury. And, despite the lack of
central heating, I managed to stay cozy with the help of a
kerosene heater, an electric heater, a kotatsu table (i.e. a
heated table), and my good friend the electric blanket. The
general puniness of the place, and the complexities of bathing made it necessary for Bonnie and I to have two itsy-bitsy
Japanese apartments. Despite being in different buildings, they had identical layouts. Individual style and flair is not prized
in the local apartment architects, I'm guessing.
My living room - complete with a kotatsu table and patriotic theme (compliments of Sheila Copps)
Bonnie's living room - same floor plan and outfitted with the requisite heated table
Don't kid yourself - size matters
